Little Richard On Probation For A Few Driving Disorders

March 20, 1986|By United Press International.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. — Pioneer rock `n` roller Little Richard has been fined $255 and sentenced to six months` informal probation for smashing his sports car into a telephone pole and breaking his leg.

The flamboyant singer-turned-preacher was sentenced after pleading guilty in Municipal Court Tuesday to driving with a suspended or revoked license, a misdemeanor, and two traffic infractions, speeding and driving on a sidewalk. As part of a plea bargain with the Los Angeles County District Attorney`s Office, a misdemeanor reckless driving charge and a second misdemeanor, driving without possessing a valid license, were dismissed, prosecutor Constance Bugh said Wednesday.

Judge Judith Stein also ordered the defendant, whose real name is Richard Wayne Penniman, 53, to pay any restitution that might arise from a civil lawsuit. The judge placed Richard on informal probation, which means he does not have to report to a probation officer.

Prosecutors said the charges stemmed from an Oct. 8 traffic accident in West Hollywood in which Richard, who was recently inducted into the new rock

`n` roll Hall of Fame, was severely injured with a broken leg and lacerations and was hospitalized for weeks.